UFC Fight Night 14 Fighter Salaries

Anderson Silva: $200,000

Brandon Vera: $200,000 ($100,000 win bonus)

Frankie Edgar: $51,000 ($13,000 win bonus & $25,000 Fight of the Night Bonus)

CB Dollaway: $45,000 ($10,000 win bonus & $25,000 Submission of the Night Bonus)

Hermes Franca: $42,000 ($25,000 Fight of the Night Bonus)

Rory Markham: $37,000 ($6,000 win bonus & $25,000 Knockout of the Night Bonus)

James Irvin: $20,000

Tim Credeur: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
Reese Andy $15,000
Cain Velasquez: $14,000 ($7,000 win bonus)
Jake O’Brien: $11,000

Brad Blackburn: $10,000 ($5000 win bonus)
Kevin Burns: $10,000 ($5,000 win bonus)
Anthony Johnson: $9,000
Jesse Taylor: $8,000
Cale Yarbrough: $8,000

Nate Loughran: $8,000 ($4,000 win bonus)

Shannon Gugerty: $6,000 ($3,000 win bonus)

Johnny Rees: $4,000
Brodie Farber: $3,00O
James Giboo: $3,000
Dale Hartt: $3,000

 

 

Jesse Taylor Could Be Out of the UFC…Again

I have heard rumblings today that UFC middleweight fighter and TUF 7 alum Jesse Taylor could be out of the UFC again.  Taylor is most known for being the guy who made it to the TUF finals, but was kicked off following a drunken tirade in a Las vergas casino.  He was given a second chance after her pleaded his case to Dana White.  He said he had enrolled in AA and was straightened out.  He seemed contrite from all I could tell.  He then was given a chance to fight C.B. Dolloway at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19th.  Dolloway was the clear favorite to win TUF 7 but he was eliminated twice by Amir by armbar.  Dolloway made quick work of Taylor and submitted him by Peruvian Necktie.  Here is the report about Taylor by Steve Cofield at Yahoo! Sports

Jesse Taylor was trying to erase the memory of his embarrassing episode on The Ultimate Fighter 7 with a dominant win. Instead, he was sent packing in less than four minutes as C.B. Dollaway lived up to his pre-show reputation pulling off a great submission, the Peruvian Necktie.

Taylor didn’t look any worse for wear as he hung out post-fight with training partners and fellow fighters. That may change this week, as it appears Taylor may be in hot water again with UFC officials. 

Taylor spoke with the media last Thursday and had some choice words for Quinton Jackson and his psychotic episode last week, “What goes around, comes around, I guess.” Taylor wasn’t happy with the fact that Jackson told UFC President Dana White that he didn’t want someone like Taylor representing the company.

Those comments filtered back to UFC management and it was clear that they weren’t happy with Taylor as a high ranking official spoke with Yahoo! Sports during The Ultimate Fight Night 14 card at the Palms.

Adding to Taylor’s problem are the rumors swirling that he didn’t exactly clean up his conduct during his 4+ month hiatus

The reason for Taylor being let go would not be a lack of talent.  It would be that he is an idiot.  To his credit he did not know the extent of Rampage’s problems.   When questioned about his first comments about Jackson here is what Taylor said…

I feel bad for the guy. Being on top of the fighting world and then not being there is going to destroy you. I think it was tough to handle for the guy. I wish he gets better, I didn’t know he was in this situation. He’s in a lot worse situation than I was in.”

Well, Taylor may be out again.  I don’t have a problem with him being booted.  Not because of what he said abotu Jackson, but because I don’t know if he can hack it in the UFC.  It looks like only 5 TUF 7 guys will hang around (C.B. Dolloway, Amir Sadollah, Matt Brown, Tim Credeur, and Matthew Riddle).  So long Jesse Taylor, have a good career on the undercard of the EliteXC.

My UFC Fight Night 14 Predictions

Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin

I am looking forward to this fight.  When I make my predictions I will look at all aspects of the game and some to a decision.  Sometimes I will even pick an upset, but there are several fighters that I cannot pick against right now.  Anderson Silva is one of those guys I cannot pick against right now, the others being B.J. Penn, Georges St. Pierre, and Fedor Emelianenko.  I might miss a pick every now and then with that startegy, but more often than not I am right.  I know Anderson will eventually lose a fight, but I will not pick against him anytime soon.  James Irvin is good and he has knockout power.  He could KO Anderson Silva.  However, Irvin has never been a top 10 light heavyweight.  He is fighting the number one pound for pound fighter in the world.  The blogegrs and fans along with the media will try to hype this fight and give Irvin a bigger chance to win, in then end Anderson is going to beat him.  I do not know how much can be said.  I pick Anderson Silva by TKO in round 2. 

Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy

Brandon Vera beat some good guys at heavyweight, however he was small for a heavyweight.  I believe Vera can bang with anyone.  Reese Andy is not known to a lot of MMA fans, but he was a former IFL fighter who hasn’t fought in a year.  Andy has a decent record and I have heard he is pretty good, but he hasn’t beaten anyone.  Vera will be by far the best guy he has ever fought.  I believe Vera will be fast and strong at 205 and will win by KO in round 1.  Welcome to light heavyweight Brandon Vera.

Frankie Edgar vs. Hermes Franca

Both these guys are good fighters.  Edgar has climbed the ladder at 155, but dropped off a bit following his loss to Gray Maynard.  Many people are forgetting that Hermes Franca was the number one contender and fought for the title against Sean Sherk before his failed drug test.  Franca is strong and aggressive.  Bioth guys have wrestling skills.  Edgar can win, but he needs to be more aggresive.  I pick Franca to win by unanimous decision.

Jake O’Brien vs. Cain Velasquez

I am glad the UFC brough back Jake O’Brien and I hope he gets another chance after this fight.  O’Brien has done well in the UFC his only loss coming to Arlovski.  However, I think Jake O’Brien’s strength is wrestling.  Cain Velasquez will be able to neutralize that.  From what I am hearing Cain is the real deal.  I buy the hype.  People say that Cain has great Jiu Jitsu and great stand up.  People are hailing him as the future of the heavyweight divison.  I will pick Cain Velasquez to win by TKO in round 1. 

Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is looking to make an impression.  His KO of Tommy Speer in his last outing was incredible.  Kevin Burns looked good against Road Carneiro and pulled off the submission win.  I think Burns will want to take this fight down.  Johnson is big and strong and can strike with power.  I don’t see Burns being able to get the take down.  He will be forced to strike with Johnson and it won’t work well.  Anthony Johnson wins by TKO in round 3. 

C.B. Dollaway vs. Jesse Taylor

C.B. the odds on favorite to win TUF 7, but lost twice to Amir.  Jesse taylor made it to the finals before being kicked off following his drunken rampage.  This fight is interesting.  It is the TUF 7 cast off versus the guy who replaced him.  This fight is huge for both guys.  I don’t know if it is a winner go home fight, but C.B. needs a win something bad.  Jesse is big and strong and has something to prove.  C.B. is well rounded (except submission defense).  I think that Jesse is stronger and bigger, but C.B. is the better striker from what I saw on TUF. C.B. has better ground and pound, but Jesse does have good ground and pound.  They are similar in style.  They both probably are more comfortable on the ground.  I believe C.B. may stand this fight at first and see how it goes.  I think C.B. wins in round 2 by rear naked choke.

Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough

Cale showed nothing on the show.  I am bothered by this a little.  Let me vent.  I believe TUF 7 only had a few guys with real potenital and talent to make it in the UFC.  The UFC didn’t bring back many guys to the finale.  Why did they bring back Cale?  Cale is a vegetable, isn’t it?  I thought Gerald Harris is the guy that got cheated most, he deserves one shot in the UFC.  With that said, Tim is too experienced and too good for Cale.  Cale can knock him out if that stand, but Tim will take Cale down and soften him up and then submit him with a choke, in round 1.

Brodie Farber vs. Rory Markham

Brad Blackburn vs. James Giboo

Nate Loughran vs. Johnny Rees

Shannon Gugerty vs. Dale Hartt

UFC News: Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dolloway at UFC Fight Night 14

The UFC has quickly put together a good card to compete with Affliction.  All last week it was rumored that Jesse Taylor would be given another chance and would fight The Ultimate Fighter 7 runner-up C.B. Dolloway on this card.  Even yours truly posted regarding this rumor (here). It looks like the fight will happen.  We all remember Jesse Taylor as the one kicked off the Ultimate Fighter after he had earned a spot in the finale or as the pants peeing drunk.  However, Jesse Taylor seems to have it together.  He has quit drinking, and he has said and done all the right things. Jesse Taylor could have cried and made a big deal out of it, but he owned up to his actions, and I respect that.  I still think removing him was the best way to handle what took place, but I am glad to see him get another chance.  This from Dana White on Yahoo! Sports:

I’ve faced a lot of challenges since we’ve had the UFC, but I have a kid (Taylor) who pissed his pants on television and now I have to turn him into a star…. Without a doubt, the kid deserves another chance. He made himself look like a fool, and he’s aware of that, but everyone deserves another opportunity and we’re going to give it to him. He acted like a moron. He’s embarrassed by it, which he should be, but what he did doesn’t amount to enough to ban him forever. Come on. He was just young and stupid, but at least he seems to have learned from what he did.”

Taylor will have his hands full against C.B. Dolloway.  This will be a tough match, and is very important for both fighters.  C.B. lost in the finale to Amir, and needs a win in the UFC.  If Jesse gets on top he could just lay there and ground and pound C.B.  Jesse is a big fella.  This should be a interesting fight anyways and I hope it makes it on the televised portion.

Here is the card as we know it today:

Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin

Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy

Hermes Franca vs. Frank Edgar

Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O’Brien

Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dolloway

Rory Markham vs. Brodie Farber

Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns

Brad Blackburn vs. James Giboo

Nate Loughran vs. Johnny Rees

Shannon Gugherty vs. Dale Hartt

I imagine that the battle for the fifth spot on the televised card will fall between Burns vs. Johnson, Marham vs. Farber and Taylor vs. Dolloway.  I would have to say the edge goes to Dolloway/taylor because of how familar many SPIKE viewers will be of the two fighters because of TUF.  I’d also like to see the other two fights.  Markham is aggresive, so if he finishes quickly he may get aired as is Anthony Johnson.  I’d also like to see them pick up the Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough fight that got cancelled at the TUF 7 Finale due to Credeur’s adderall.

UFC Rumor: C.B. Dolloway vs. Jesse Taylor at UFC Fight Night 14

I saw a rumor on the Sherdog forums, so I have no idea how reliable the source.  However, I do seem to remember Jesse Taylor mentioning in an interview that he hoped to be able to fight again in July for the UFC.  The rumor is that Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dolloway will be added to the UFC Fight Night 14 card, only July 19th.  JT has not been officially cut from Zuffa, so he needs a fight to make some money.  This fight could be a good fight, but I think it is a bad match up for Jesse Taylor.  However, I think the UFC will be hard pressed to keep the loser around though. 

Jesse Taylor Interview

TUF 7 eliminated finalist Jesse Taylor speaks He could be back one day. I am not one to defend people like Jesse, but he is growing on me. I think Dana and the UFC did the right thing at the time, but I do think he should get a second chance if he gets his act together.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Jesse Taylor Interview “, posted with vodpod

 

The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale Quick Results

Kendall Grove def. Evan Tanner via split decision

Amir Sadollah def. C.B. Dolloway via Armbar Submission in round 1

Diego Sanchez def. Luigi Fiorvanti via TKO in round 3

Spencer Fisher def. Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision

Matt Riddle def. Dante Rivera via Unanimous decision

Dustin Hazelett def. Josh Burkman via submission (arm bar) — Round 2, 4:46

Drew McFedries def. Marvin Eastman via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 1:08

Matt Brown def. Matt Arroyo via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 3:40

Dean Lister def. Jeremy Horn via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 3:52

Matt Brown def. Matt Arroyo via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 3:40

Rob Kimmons def. Rob Yundt via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 3:58

Official Bonuses:

Fight of the Night: Josh Burkman vs. Dustin Hazelett

KO of the Night: Drew McFedries

Submission of the Night: Dustin Hazelett

Other Notes:

• The Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough fight was cancelled due to traces of Adderol being in Tim’s system still.  Apparently, he informed the commission prior to weigh ins and they pulled the fight.  It was not due to some advantage he would be given, but because of concern for Tim’s health while on Adderoll.  No further discipline will be given.
• Diego Sanchez looked great and his striking was awesome.  I was disappointed because I wanted to see his improved ground game that he speaks of.  He is still a force at welterweight and he beat a tough Luigi Fiorvanti.
• Kendall Grove looked good, but he didn’t impress me.  Evan Tanner is tough as nails.  I don’t think Evan has what it takes to fight in the UFC anymore, but he can sure go in there and take a beating.
• Congratulations to Amir Sadollah TUF 7 winner.  Who would have picked this at season’s start?  I like C.B. and think he will be just fine in the UFC, but he needs to leave Tempe and join a major camp where he can learn some submissions and submission defense.  Anyways, Amir is awesome and he has a great personality.
• I think Matt Riddle may shock some people in the UFC as he is tough and looked much improved. 
• Drew McFedries is back in a big way
• Saddly, fight of the night and submission of the night were not televised (Burkman vs. Hazelett)
• Overall this wasn’t a great show in my opinion.

 

The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale Predictions

C.B. Dolloway vs. Amir Sadollah

This is a re-match for the TUF 7 crown.  Amir beat C.B. in the third round of a semi-final fight via armbar.  However, it must be remembered that C.B. beat Amir for two and a half rounds.  I think Amir has been shockingly good.  I think he has a place in the UFC, and will be very good.  He however has far less experience than C.B.  C.B.’s wrestling is awesome, and certainly he has been preparing for Amir well and defending armbars.  I think when it comes down to it, C.B. may keep the fight standing or do a little bit better ground and pound.  C.B.’s problem was cardio.  If he has bettered that he will be a force in the UFC.  From day one most people considered C.B. the best in the house and in the end I think a great final match is set up.  Some don’t like C.B. because of his cockiness, but I like him.  Some others feel that he shouldn’t be given this re-match and I disagree.  He wasn’t just handed this.  He had to beat Tim Credeur to get there.  Also, Amir didn’t tear him up, he won a come from behind win as he did in all his fights.  Don’t forget Gerald was beating Amir before he won.  Matt Brown gave him fits as did C.B.  Now with that said a win is a win, and Amir is amazing.  No one thought Amir would get this far.  He showed endurance and a great Nogueira like ability to come from behind.  Overall, I think C.B. is the best out of this season and I think he deserves this shot and will make the most of it.  I pick C.B. by ref stoppage in round 2. 

Kendall Grove vs. Evan Tanner

This has been billed as a do or die fight.  The loser of this fight is probably out of the UFC unless they put on a good show.  Kendall grove has looked horrible lately.  Evan Tanner didn’t look so hot in his bouth with Yushin Okami, but then again Okami is a great fighter.  Tanner has been out of fighting for a while now and I don’t know if he can get back with it.  If Tanner fights like the Tanner of old he will win and win big.  However, if not he is done with the UFC and his fighting career.  He has way more to lose in this fight than Kendall Grove.  I will pick Evan Tanner by TKO or ref stoppage in round 2. 

Diego Sanchez vs. Luigi Fioravanti

This match is one that I think will be better than some expect.  Fiorvanti is maybe the most underrated welterweight in the UFC and he could easily pull a win out.  Luigi is an awesome fighter and is well rounded.  He may have better stand up than Diego.  Diego Sanchez though seems to be refocused and ready to go.  I was half tempted to pick the upset here, but I am picking Diego to get back on track and win by submission in round 1.

Dustin Hazelett vs. Josh Burkman

Hazelett is a good fighter, but I think Burkman will prove too strong, aggresive and big for him in this fight.  Burkman didn’t look great against Swick his last outing, but I believe he is betetr than he showed.  Hazelett could hope for some type of submission, but if Burkman strikes with Dustin.  It will not be good for Hazelett.  If I was Hazelett I would try to pull off some type of head kick to get a KO.  I think that in the end Burkamn wins this one by decision.

Spencer Fisher vs. Jeremy Stephens

Fisher has to be the favorite in this fight, but Stephens is tough.  In this fight I just have to go with experience.  I think it can be a great fight though, and this is on my upset watch.  I will pick Fisher by decision.  If we see the Fisher of old it will be a win for him.  Stephens may have learned from Edgar about wrestling and ground and pound though against Fisher. 

Jeremy Horn vs. Dean Lister

Both these guys are good on the ground, but Dean Lister is amazing on the ground.  Jeremy Horn will want to keep this fight standing and if he can it is bad news for Lister.  I think Horn needs a win here to hang around the UFC.  I think he will do it.  I pick Jeremy Horn by TKO in round 3. 

Marvin Eastman vs. Drew McFedries

This fight may be a good stand up match.  Drew McFedries is talented, but has struggled lately.  Marvin Eastman is big at middleweight.  I think the beastman Eastman will win by TKO in round 1.  Don’t count Drew out though. 

Rob Kimmons vs. Rob Yundt

I don’t know much about these guys, except seeing Yundt lose to Almeida.  Kimmons has lost 3 times and they were all to UFC or former UFC fighters.  Perhaps that means he cannot hang with UFC level guys.  I don’t know if Yundt will prove to be UFC worthy.  However, I pick Yundt to win by decision.

Quick Picks:

Matt Brown vs. Matt Arroyo

Matthew Riddle vs. Dante Rivera

Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough

Upset Watch:

 Jeremy Stephens over Spencer Fisher.  Dean Lister over Jeremy Horn.  Kendall Grove over Evan Tanner.

The Ultimate Fighter Episode 12

This is it, the last episode.  This figh between Amir and C.B. will determine the finale.  The fight began right away and lived up to hype.  C.B. came ought and brough it.  He looked good.  For two rounds I believe he won the fight.  He nearly choked out Amir.  I gave rounds 1 and 2 to C.B.   The third round was much of the same.  Don’t get me wrong Amir landed some good kicks and strikes.  However, Amir grabbed an arm and put C.B. in an armbar and Steve M. was forced to stop the fight.  The ones to make it to the finale were Amir and Jesse.  Shockingly, the favorite was beaten by the resilent Amir. 

    Now, for the shocking moment.  Well, kind of shocking.  Most of us figured it would involve Jesse Taylor.  What had happened was Dana allowed the guys to go out on the town.  Apparently, some of the guys stayed longer and drank more.  They enjoyed the casinos and night life.  Not so shockingly, Jesse drank too much.  He went on a rampage.  He kicked out a limo window and went through the casino harassing people.  Dana was forced to boot the dude.  Heads up to Dana for making a good call that built my respect for him.  Jesse blew it.  What an idiot. He has a kid to think of.  Dana was right on when he said physically he was ready, but mentally he wasn’t and wouldn’t be able to handle the UFC.  It wasn’t just this instance for Jesse.  It was the multiple drunken rampages this season.  Hats off to Dana for emphasising be a good representative of the UFC and not condoning his behavior.  So, in come Tim and C.B.  They fly in and are told of the situation and asked to fight.  Three weeks later it is on.  They are to fight for the vacant spot.  The fight stays standing.  Round 1 goes narrowly to C.B.  Round 2 easily to C.B. Tim was nearly KO’d and I thought at one time it would be stopped.  Tim survived.  Round 3 I scored to Tim.   They stay standing and C.B. wins the fight and a re-match at the finale with Amir for the chance at the six figure contract.  Couldn’t ask for more.  The C.B. and Tim fight was awesome, one of the best ever in TUF.  And I think the judges scored it right and C.B. deserves the shot, though he can use some better conditioning, eh?

In my opinion this episode lived up to the hype.  The show featured two awesome fights and some of the best of the history of TUF.  The shock was indeed a shock.  So long Jesse.  I believe the last three guys standing were the best three in Tim, Amir, and C.B.  I like the final match.  Both Amir and C.B. and Tim for that matter have a UFC future.  Wow!  What a great show, maybe the best episode ever.  In my opinion, it was a great season, which is underrated.  I think those three guys could do well in the UFC and 5 or 6 could have a long time career there.  Stay tuned for the other fights for the finale involving cast members.

TUF 7 Episode 11

This week saw the first of the semi-final fights between Jesse Taylor and Tim Credeur.  This week spent a lot of time showing scenes from the Ultimate Fighter house.  Also, this week featured the coaches challenge.  The challenge this year was a game of horse, but spelling “The Ultimate Fighter”.  When the coaches talked about their basketball skills Ramapage reveals he stinks at basketball and Forrest reveals he played a little high school ball.  I thought Rampage was just exaggerating, but…he wasn’t.  Forrest killed him in the challenge and even ended it with a dunk.  Who said white men can’t jump? 

    As I said there was a lot of scenes from the house including a scene of everyone getting wasted.  Jesse Taylor drank way too much and proceeded to pee on himself a second time.  This is my blog so I will state my opinion here (you can comment and argue with if you want).  I think it is a shame that these guys portrat themselves like they do.  You can think what you want about drinking, but I think that not only should TUF be looking for new talent, but also should strive to display to the viewers what mixed martial arts is all about.  Every season has shown the same thing: drunkeness, drunkeness and more drunkeness.  Frankly, it ticks me off a bit.  People like Jesse Taylor should have been sober and preparing for a fight.  They should have more respect for property.  That $20,000+ of damage that they senselessly caused could have gone to pay fighters, or better yet could have gone to some people in need around the world.  What a waste.  I just think that many times what we see on TUF is not indiciative of how an MMA fighter should act.  Mixed martial arts has enough critics and enough people against it.  Mixed martial arts has enough stigma to it, and the fighters already are stereo-typed by many as brutes and violent people.  I think the UFC and other MMA organizations need to do better emphasising character of fighers.  I am all for second chances and realize people mess up sometimes.  I also understand not everyone has the same ideas and standards that I have, however there needs to be some punishment for people who act out outside of the octagon.  If I was in charge of UFC rosters thugs like Rob Emerson and Jon Koppenhaver wouldn’t fight in my organization, not because they cannot hack it in the octagon, but because they are poor representatives of the sport.  For me, the one problem I have with watching MMA is the constant foul language from fighters and the emphasis on the party life.  Go ahead disagree with me if you want, this is just my opinion.  I love MMA and think that MMA fighters need more guys who are a postive example, a good role model, and someone that parents can feel confident letting their children look up to.  MMA needs more Matt Hamills, Matt Hughes, Georges St. Pierres, Anderson Silvas, Randy Coutures, Kenny Florians and Wanderlei Silvas and less Matt Serras and Tito Ortizs.  One thing I really love about many of the true mixed martial artists, especially your Brazilian and Japanese fighters is their love for fighting, their respect for their opponent, and their incredible sportsmanship (even in defeat).  To them they are not just fighting it is a sport to them.  Okay, enough of my soapbox. 

    The fight was Jesse Taylor vs. Tim Credeur.  I picked Tim to win this fight and picked him to be in the finals from the start.  Round 1, Jesse took Tim down and laid on him while landing some hard shots.  I gave the round 10-8 to Jesse Taylor.  Round 2, was much of the same except Tim did a little better, trying for several submissions and staying in his butterfly guard.  I gave that round 10-9 to Jesse.  Round 3 was much of the same with Jesse winning it 10-9.  I scored the fight 30-26 and two of the judges agreed.  Jesse moves on to the finals. 

    Next week will show the fight between C.B. and Amir as well as a shocking moment, where it looks like someone kicks out a limo window and then is kicked out of the finale and out of the UFC.  I don’t know who it would be, perhaps Jesse Taylor.

UFC News: Matthew Riddle vs Dante Rivera

Slowly we are learning about the fights which are to take place at The Ultimate Fighter 7 finale on June 21st.  It appears that Matthew Riddle will take on Dante Rivera.  Riddle and Rivera have been shown bickering back and forth on several occasions.  The fight was assumed following Riddle’s elimination when he hinted he would be fighting at the finale in a fight the fans would want to see.  The season is coming quickly to an end.  The fight card features several bouts with non-TUF 7 competitors including the headliners of Diego Sanchez vs. Luigi Fiorvanti and Evan Tanner vs. Kendall Grove.  Also the show will feature fights between non-TUF 7 guys in…Dustin Hazelett vs. Josh Burkman, Spencer Fisher vs. Jeremy Stephens, Jeremy Horn vs. Dean Lister, Marvin Eastman vs. Drew McFedries, and Rob Kimmons vs. Rob Yundt.  Also, we know that TUF 7 competitor Matt Brown will take on TUF 6 competitor Matt Arroyo in a welterweight bout. 

     I do not know how many guys on TUF 7 are going to be on the finale card, but it looks like the card is already full.  I am guessing there will only be two or three more fights besides the finalists, leaving several out.  Right now there are 9 fights on the card and only three of those fighters are from this season of TUF.  I like the fights on the card and they will be interesting, but I think the TUF 7 guys should all get their chance as they earned it.  Here are my predictions for who will be on the card from the TUF 7 cast…

C.B. Dolloway

Tim Credeur

Jesse Taylor

Dan Cramer

Amir Sadollah

Matt Brown*

Matthew Riddle*

Dante Rivera*

Gerald Harris

 

(That leaves out: Nick Klein, Jeremy May, Brandon Sene, Pat Schultz, Mike Dolce, Cale Yarbrough, and Luke Zachrich)

 * They are already confirmed to fight at the finale

      

TUF News: Matt Brown vs. Matt Arroyo

One of the matchups for the TUF 7 finale on June 21st has been learned and it will be TUF 7’s Matt Brown vs. TUF 6’s Matt Arroyo.  This is an interesting matchup since Arroyo fights at welterweight and Brown competed as a middleweight. The two fighters have fought before and perhaps Arroyo is seeking to avenge a loss that Matt Brown handed him. Brown holds a second-round TKO victory over Arroyo in 2006.  It will be interesting to see who the other TUF 7 guys fight and who fights att all.  Matthew Riddle indicated in an interview that not everyone will fight at the finale though he was going to fight.  I expect that the loser of this fight could fall victim to the UFC’s roster cuts.